/ bobplank A brief talk about my current go kit for portable operations with my Yaesu FT-817. I am constantly trying new things and this is the latest version of my go kit. Hope you enjoy.
Fast Fact : If you use the antenna connector on the front of the 817 ( the stock BNC connector ) you use 6% less battery power . The use of the rear SO-239 antenna connector involves the use of relays, etc, which account for that extra 6% battery use. Just an FYI ! Enjoy !! N4BRM
Never even thought about using a hard case for the FT-817/818. I have both the 817 and 818, and always carried them in the aftermarket pouches they sell. And everything else went into my portable antenna bag. Funny, because I use several of those hard cases for my antenna analyzers. Portable oscilloscopes, and various other test gear... Never thought to put a radio into one. Thanks much for the GREAT idea!
Getting good ideas from this, my FT-817 should be arriving on Monday or so, then I'll start building my own portable setup but I'm tempted to get a 10w amp to offload the finals of the 817 for digital, and then the elecraft tuner which handles a bit more power than the Z.
@@kg7wbw359 have not used it or gotten anything for it, as I had to get the max license level here for it and corona came before the test, so I studied for months for essentially nothing.. once it blows over I will have to do the whole course again because it's far too much to retain. I'm in the Netherlands and our test here is quite ridiculous.... To pass your score must be 45/50 or above and you will be asked about every single aspect of even radio design, math, electronics etc. That's 50 questions about 5 per topic but most are circuit design and math formulas which you have to know by heart.
Thanks. That power bank was purchased from Amazon. If you search for TalentCell, you should find it. I have used it a few times now, and seems do really well.
I use a back pack for my uBITX v6 and a harbour freight aluminum carring case with my 817 in both units I carry coax, qrp EFHW antennas whick don't require an antenna tuner and can work 10,15,20,40 and a small segment of 75 .also carry along a pad and paper, aa battery packs that I can operate for a couple of hours, And a small key. hows Panama City? Miss it because it is so darn dry and burning up here in cs colorado. Take care and 73 Jim/ki0ad
available from www.universal-radio.com. i bought one because of this vid. i love it! note that it was printed for the original 817 (no 'd' or 'nd' or 818), so there are a few minor differences. it references accessory suppliers that are no longer in business (w4rt comes to mind). catalogue # 3544 pack-it ft-817 US$14.99 + shipping accessory page: www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0818.html i've had my nd for almost 7 years and it gives me joy.
Nice to see you go kit Bob. A question if I may. Does the power pack that you have power the 817 directly or is it used through the internal batteries and keeps them charged?
Hi, Steven. The power pack powers the ft-817 directly. Currently, I do not have the internal battery pack installed. You can find information about the power pack on their website talentcell.com. I purchased it from Amazon. So far, I have been pleased with the performance.
Hi Bob. Just wondering if the power cable that the talentcell comes with plugs directly into the radio ? I seen another video that said it does plug into an elecraft kx2.
Hi, Larry. It came from W4RT.com. They had a selection of FT-817 accessories. Unfortunately, it seems the website is now down. Perhaps you could find it on ebay. Its called the "Pack-it Reference guide for the FT-817". Maybe it can be found on ebay or amazon.
If you are running the radio off of that lithium ion battery, did you alter the power cable? not the charging cable but the bare wire one, to adapt to the bank? I don't see how as is how it would plug in.
Yes, there is some modification. The powerbank came with a cord with 2 round dc plugs on each end. One fits in the battery, the other was to work with LED string lights. I cut the end off and installed a power pole so I could use it with my 817. I have a power cord for the 817 with a power pole. I just join the power poles on the ends of the cords. Hope this helps.
You cut the end with the 2 round plugs? I just ordered it so will see it in a week or so. Been looking for a nice small battery with decent life in it for a while.
If band conditions are good, the antenna works. So, it can be hit or miss...especially considering it is on a qrp rig as well. I will say, I am glad I have it and I have had some success with it. But a tuned dipole with some height will always outperform.
Hi, Bruce. The case is not a true pelican case, but I measured it and found a couple of models in the Pelican line that come close. My internal dimensions are 12"x9"x6". The two cases that are similar are the Pelican 1400 and the IM2100 Storm Case. I hope this helps.
I got this from Ebay. The seller is nelson_antennas. It is around $40 and worth the money spent. Our local club was using one a couple of years ago for field day and I was impressed. A few of us went out and bought one afterwards.
